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The earliest conversations between you and your child involve the sense of touch. When you hold your little one in your arms, baby nestles against your skin, seeking the perfect fit in the curve of your arms. The skin is the most highly developed sensory organ at birth, and most babies love to be stroked. Surprisingly, some babies may prefer a firmer touch. Try applying pressure slowly and gently to baby's skin just before naptime or bedtime to help your wide–awake wonder settle down.

As your baby becomes better at grasping, you may find that your hair or face becomes the focus of exploration by touch. That's your cue that baby will really start to appreciate textured objects—rough, smooth, crinkly, soft, squishy—so start introducing them, with your supervision. Look for toys that provide baby with tactile experiences, and watch the look of wonder that appears!

Dr. Bettye M. Caldwell Ph.D. Professor of Pediatrics in Child Development and Education

Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition.